Truck Drivers Have a Duty to Properly Secure Loads
When a truck driver gets behind the wheel of a big rig, they have an array of responsibilities. One of the most crucial of these responsibilities is to properly secure the trucks’ load. A shifting load during transit may not only damage the cargo but can also result in uneven weight distribution — making the massive vehicle extremely unsafe. Shifting loads are a contributing factor to nearly one-third of all commercial vehicle wrecks reports nationwide.
Truckers Responsibility to Secure the Load
Trucking companies and their truckers both share a responsibility to ensure that the load on or in their vehicles is secured properly. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration cites that a maximum legal load can only be achieved by properly distributing the center of gravity of the cargo ahead of the rear axle. If the cargo is not blocked or braced properly, it can shift during transit and become dangerous. A side or top-heavy load can cause a truck to overturn when making a turn. If a load is lost on a public highway during rush hour, it can result in catastrophic accidents and injuries.
There are legal limits on the size and weights of cargo that determine the type of vehicle used to transport it and the type of equipment used to carry it. For instance, extremely heavy loads — like stone, granite, or tile — should be transported on a certain type of chassis referred to as a tri-axle in order to maintain proper weight distribution and the added support of the third rear-axle. This third-axle allows for the semi-trailer’s carrying capacity to increase from a gross total of 80,000 pounds to the new weight limits of 20,000 per axle and 34,000 pounds per tandem axle. In the majority of transportation situations, a combination of blocks, chains, and tie-downs should be used to properly secure cargo.
Hire an Experienced 18-Wheeler Crash Attorney
As you can see here, there are Federal and state regulations in place that truck drivers are required to follow for their driving and how they maintain their 18-wheelers and secure cargo. If you are struck by a commercial truck, you need the help of a qualified Houston 18-wheeler accident lawyer. Contact an attorney who fights for truck accident victims and knows how to spot federal violations that contributed to the accident. Contact Connolly Law today to consult with a qualified personal injury lawyer.
Trucking Accidents in Houston
In most cases, commercial truck accident victims in Texas are injured by reckless or negligent drivers, and the responsible party can be made to cover the damages resulting from the collision. For over a decade, Connolly Law has helped 18-wheeler accident victims obtain the compensation they deserve. Our qualified Houston trucking injury attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure that your rights are protected under the law. Contact our offices today at 877-CONNLAW to discuss your case today.